Friday, December 21, 2012

Thank you for your April 24 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration's (OSHA's) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP).
Your letter has been referred to (DEP's) Office of General Industry
Enforcement for an answer to your questions regarding powered industrial
truck operator trainer qualifications. Your scenario and question has
been restated below for clarity.

Background: 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(iii) states: All operator training and evaluation shall be conducted by persons who have the
knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck
operators and evaluate their competence.

Scenario: Driver instructor examiners are training some powered
industrial truck (PIT) operators. The driver instructor examiners have
been certified to teach PIT operator training, however they do not
operate PITs on a regular basis or as part of their job function and
responsibility.

Question: What does OSHA mean by the word "experience" in 29 CFR
1910.178(l)(2)(iii)? Specifically, does it mean that the trainers must
be certified to train drivers to operate PITs, or does it mean that the
trainers must operate PITs on a regular basis as part of their job
function and responsibility?

Reply: A trainer must have the "knowledge, training, and
experience" to train others how to safely operate the powered industrial
truck in the employer's workplace. In general, the trainer will only
have sufficient "experience" if he has the practical skills and judgment
to be able to himself operate the equipment safely under the conditions
prevailing in the employer's workplace. For example, if the employer
uses certain truck attachments and the trainer has never operated a
truck with those attachments, the trainer would not have the experience
necessary to train and evaluate others adequately on the safe use of
those attachments. However, the standard does not require that the
trainers operate a PIT regularly (i.e., outside of their operator
training duties) as part of their job function or responsibility.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope
you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute,
standards, and regulations. OSHA interpretation letters explain these
requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they
cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes
OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our
enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also,
from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.
To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website
athttp://www.osha.gov

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Thank you for your correspondence to the Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the use
of forklifts for construction activities. I appreciate the opportunity
to respond to you and your constituents.

In your inquiry, you forward a copy of an ASK OSHA e-correspondence
submitted to OSHA on November 4, 2011, from your constituent Mr. Keith
Raffield. I appreciate your patience, as the process for achieving
resolution to very complex compliance issues can be lengthy. Among
several other major issues in the construction industry, OSHA has been
in the process of responding to many interpretative inquiries such as
this one regarding the scope and application of our final rule for
Cranes and Derricks in Construction.

In his inquiry, Mr. Raffield asks OSHA the following question:

Question: Can I, as a forklift (not a crane operator) operator, use a
designated forklift boom that has a hook on it as long as it meets the
load requirements?

OSHA's response to Mr. Raffield's inquiry depends upon not only the
original design of the forklift that is used, but also the design of the
boom attachment and how the forklift and boom are operated together to
move the load. We recognize that our ASK OSHA webpage was not designed
to provide for the submission of attachments with inquiries from the
public, therefore the picture and description of the forklift in
question that was provided with your inquiry was very helpful for making
this determination.

Equipment that is designed to function as both a crane and a forklift
would be considered multi-purpose equipment and covered by the crane
standard when configured, and operated as, a crane. However, Mr.
Raffield submitted a picture of, and information about, a typical
vertical mast forklift with a variable length boom attachment that uses
slings or a rope to hoist and move a suspended load. This type of
forklift described was designed by the manufacturer to lift palletized
loads or those that can be safely handled and supported by the forks of
the equipment. The described configuration of a forklift, unlike a
crane or derrick, can only provide powered horizontal and vertical
movement of the suspended load by both driving the forklift horizontally
in addition to moving its mast and forks. Although the described boom
attachment extends the reach of the forks, it was not designed to
provide powered horizontal and vertical movement of the load. This
forklift configured with the described boom attachment is not covered by
the cranes standard.

OSHA will continue to work with the industry and plans to issue
responses to over 30 frequently asked questions to clarify requirements
regarding the application of the Cranes and Derricks in Construction
standard. I hope you have found this letter helpful and informative.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Thank you for your letter of May 28, requesting clarification of the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations 29 CFR
1910.178(e)(1), .178(e)(2), and .178(m)(9), dealing with requirements for
backrest extensions and overhead guards for powered industrial trucks.

New High Lift Rider trucks acquired and used by an employer after February
15, 1972, must have an approved safety overhead guard to protect the forklift
operator to comply with 29 CFR 1910.178(e)(1). The High Lift Rider truck is
identified by the truck nameplate on which the capacity and load center of
the truck load engaging means at maximum elevation must be indicated. Also,
the rated capacities, alternate rated capacities, or alternate capacities may
be included.

In order to comply with 29 CFR 1910.178(e)(2), new powered industrial trucks
acquired and used by an employer after February 15, 1972, must have an
approved vertical load backrest extension when the type of load being moved
presents a hazard.

To comply with 29 CFR 1910.178.(m)(9), an overhead guard must be used on Low
Lift powered trucks to offer protection to the truck operator from the impact
of small packages, boxes, bagged material, etc., representative of the job
application, but not to withstand the impact of a falling capacity load. The
Low Lift truck is identifiable by the truck nameplate on which the rated
capacity is indicated.

The information in your letter describing a forklift lifting a load
approximately 48 inches high to a height of approximately 6 feet is not
sufficient to evaluate your concern. The type of forklift, the type of load,
and the position of the forklift operator, as well as the actual and
potential heights of the load and of the lift, must be considered before a
determination can be made as to which OSHA regulations apply.

We appreciate your interest in employee safety and health. If we can be
further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Question 1: In regards to the use of fall
arrest equipment and the use of body belts, do OSHA regulations require
that a body belt be attached to a lanyard and used to protect personnel
against falls from elevated "operator-up" high lift truck platforms, or
do the standards state that a 5-point harness must be worn as a part of a
fall arrest device?

Response: OSHA's powered industrial trucks (PITs) standard,
contained in 29 CFR 1910.178, does not have provisions that require
either the use of a body harness or safety belt to protect personnel
against falls from elevated platforms. However, in the absence of a
specific standard, OSHA can enforce Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational
Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) -- which requires employers to protect
employees from serious recognized hazards. Industry consensus standards,
such as ASME B56.1-2000 Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks
would be taken into consideration by OSHA when determining whether a
hazard is "recognized" and that there is a feasible means of abating
such a hazard. Section 4.17.2(c) of ASME 56.1-2000 requires that
whenever an operator-up high lift truck is used to elevate personnel,
restraining means such as railings, chains, cable, body belt(s) with lanyard(s),
or deceleration devices, etc. are in place and properly used. Although
the ASME standard calls for the use of body belts, OSHA strongly
encourages employers to use body harnesses in place of body belts. You
should also be aware that, as part of a rulemaking to revise Subpart D
of 29 CFR 1910, OSHA has proposed the inclusion of a fall protection
requirement that would apply to work platforms used in conjunction with
powered industrial trucks. See theNo. 68 Federal Register 23528 (May 2, 2003). A copy of the relevant portion this Federal Register is enclosed.

Question 2: Can OSHA give me information on
fines and the circumstances surrounding the fines, if a plant is found
to be violating the fall arrest guidelines set forth by OSHA?

Response: During the course of an inspection, if an employer is
found to expose his or her employees to fall hazards which could result
in serious injuries, citations would be issued along with proposed
penalties. The amount of proposed penalties varies, depending on the
type of violation: Willful, Serious, Other-Than-Serious,
Failure-to-Abate, and Repeat; and on the employer's size, good faith,
previous history of violations, and the gravity of the violation. For
example, OSHA may propose a penalty of up to $7,000 for each serious
violation, whereas penalties for each willful violation may range from
$5,000 to $70,000. Our penalty calculation procedures also give
consideration for any employer with 250 or fewer employees. Normally, a
reduction of 60 percent may be applied to penalties if the employer has
25 employees or fewer; 40 percent if the employer has 26-100 employees;
and 20 percent if the employer has 101-250 employees. Although no
reduction for size is applied if an employer has more than 250
employees, the employer may still be accorded up to a 10 percent
reduction for a lack of previous violations, and a 25 percent reduction
for "good faith," which mainly depends upon the effectiveness of the
employer's safety and health program. When these three factors are
combined, it is possible for the smallest employers to receive up to a
95 percent reduction in the initial monetary penalty. The enclosed OSHA
3000 publication, entitled "Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Following an OSHA Inspection," which has additional details on the types
of violations and associated penalties, may assist you in understanding
our penalty structure associated with different types of violations for
which citations are issued.

Notice to the Reader

The first edition of this Alert applied only to forklifts operated
in a sitting position. However, this new edition includes a
recommendation for employers and operators of stand-up forklifts with
rear-entry access. In addition,
the revised Alert contains several minor changes in wording to improve
clarity.WARNING!
Workers who operate or work near forklifts may be struck or crushed by the machine or the load being handled.
Workers: If you operate or work near forklifts, take these
steps to protect yourself.

Do not operate a forklift unless you have been trained

Use seatbelts if they are available

Report to your supervisor any damage or problems that occur to a forklift during your shift

Do not jump from an overturning, sit-down type forklift. Stay with
the truck, holding on firmly and leaning in the opposite direction of
the overturn

Exit from a stand-up type forklift with rear-entry access by stepping backward if a lateral tip over occurs

Use extreme caution on grades or ramps

On grades, tilt the load back and raise it only as far as needed to clear the road surface

Do not raise or lower the forks while the forklift is moving

Do not handle loads that are heavier than the weight capacity of the forklift

Operate the forklift at a speed that will permit it to be stopped safely

Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed

Look toward the travel path and keep a clear view of it

Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift trucks unless a seat is provided

When dismounting from a forklift, set the parking brake, lower the forks or lifting carriage, and neutralize the controls

Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object

Do not use a forklift to elevate workers who are standing on the forks

Elevate a worker on a platform only when the vehicle is directly below the work area

Whenever a truck is used to elevate personnel, secure the elevating platform to the lifting carriage or forks of the forklift

Use a restraining means such as rails, chains, or a
body belt with a lanyard or deceleration device for the worker(s) on the
platform

Do not drive to another location
with the work platform elevated

Typical sit-down type forklift
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
requests assistance in preventing injuries and deaths of workers who operate or work near forklifts. Most fatalities occur when a
worker is crushed by a forklift that has overturned or fallen from
a loading dock.
NIOSH investigations of forklift-related deaths indicate
that
many workers and employers (1) may not be aware of the
risks of
operating or working near forklifts and (2) are not
following the
procedures set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) standards, consensus standards, or equipment
manufacturer's guidelines.
This Alert describes seven incidents resulting in the
deaths
of seven workers who were either operating or working near
forklifts. In each incident, the deaths could have been prevented by
using proper safety procedures and equipment and by following the
provisions of the OSHA standards.
NIOSH requests that editors of trade journals, safety and
health
officials, industry associations, unions, and employers in
all industries bring the recommendations in this Alert to the attention
of all workers who are at risk.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Background: The American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift
Trucks B56.1-2000 contains specific requirements for elevating personnel
on powered industrial trucks. For example, operator-up highlift trucks
(order pickers, etc.) are addressed by paragraphs 4.17.1, 4.17.2, and
7.36. Trucks with work platforms that do not fit that category are
covered by paragraphs 4.17.2, 4.17.3, and 7.36.3.

Question: Does 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4) require an employer to
obtain prior written approval from the original equipment manufacturer
for the attachment of a work platform that meets the applicable
requirements as outlined in paragraphs 4.17.2, 4.17.3, and 7.36.3 of
ASME B56.1-2000?

Reply: Yes, written approval from the manufacturer of a powered
industrial truck is required for modifications and/or additions if the
modifications and/or additions affect the capacity and safe operation of
the truck. However, please be aware that OSHA would consider the lack
of manufacturer's approval to be a de minimis violation if the employer
has obtained written approval from a qualified Registered Professional
Engineer after receiving no response or a negative response from the
powered industrial truck manufacturer. If the manufacturer's response
was negative, then the engineer, prior to granting approval for the
modification or addition, would need to perform a safety analysis and
address all safety and/or structural issues contained in the
manufacturer's disapproval.

Even where the addition of a work platform to a powered industrial truck
is permitted under §1910.178(a)(4) or the de minimis policy stated
above, employers must also address the fall hazards that result from the
use of elevated platforms. OSHA has proposed revisions to Subpart D of
29 CFR Part 1910 that include, in a new section §1910.31, requirements
for mobile elevating work platforms, mobile ladder stands, and powered
industrial truck platforms. (See 55 FR 13396, April 10, 1990, and 68 FR
23530, May 2, 2003.) Until a final rule is promulgated, an employer's
failure to prevent or correct, to the extent feasible, fall hazards from
elevated work platforms might be citable as a violation of Section
5(a)(1) of the OSHAct. OSHA's evaluation of the existence of a serious,
recognized hazard and the availability of feasible means of abatement
would include consideration of the relevant provisions of the ASME
B56.1-2000 standard.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Question: When a forklift has a weak sounding horn, what determines whether it should be replaced or not?

Reply: OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) requires that
industrial trucks be inspected at least daily and not be placed into
service if the examination shows any condition that may adversely affect
the safety of the industrial truck. Additionally, §1910.178(p)(1)
states, "If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in
need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be
taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating
condition." If the industrial truck is equipped with a horn as its
warning device, then OSHA would consider the truck as being unsafe if
the sound level of the horn has deteriorated to a level that can no
longer be heard above the ambient noise in the workplace.

In addition, the employer must meet the requirements in §1910.178(q), Maintenance of industrial trucks.
Specifically, §1910.178(q)(5) states, "All parts of any such industrial
truck requiring replacement shall be replaced only by parts equivalent
as to safety with those used in the original design."

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The following checklists are intended to
assist in providing training on OSHA's powered industrial truck operator
standards. They are not a substitute for any of the provisions of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued
by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). OSHA wishes to acknowledge that this checklist
and related graphics was developed in cooperation with the Industrial
Truck Association as part of the
OSHA-ITA Alliance.

The OSHA standard for powered industrial truck training [29 CFR 1910.178(l)]
requires that an employer provide training to truck operators on a
variety of topics. Among these topics are vehicle inspection and
maintenance that the operator will be required to perform. The
following checklists are being provided as part of OSHA's ongoing effort
to assist employers and employees in ensuring that a safe and healthful
workplace is provided. The lists serve as a guide only and may not be
totally inclusive. Each type of powered industrial truck is unique and
checklists pertinent to each type of vehicle should be modified
accordingly. It is recommended that the manufacturer's instructions on
vehicle maintenance and owner's and operator's responsibilities also be
consulted. The OSHA standards for powered industrial trucks must be
reviewed to ensure compliance.

Depicted below are the major types of industrial trucks and some of the
most common variations. The drawings of the trucks depicted below are
intended to represent the typical configuration of trucks for each type.
They do not include all available options, attachments or
configurations.

Electric Motor Powered Industrial Trucks

Standup End Control Rider

Sitdown Rider

Narrow Aisle Reach

Narrow Aisle High Lift Straddle

Narrow Aisle Order Picker

Narrow Aisle Sideloader Platform

Narrow Aisle Sideloader High Lift Pallet

Narrow Aisle Turret

Narrow Aisle Low Lift Platform

Stacker Pallet

Walkie Platform Low Lift

Walkie Pallet Low Lift

Tractor Walkie/Rider

Walkie Pallet High Lift

Internal Combustion Engine Powered Industrial Trucks - Gas/LPG/Diesel

Counterbalanced Forklift Gas/LPG Cushion Tire

Counterbalanced Forklift Gas/LPG/Diesel Pneumatic Tire

Tow Tractor Gas/LPG/Diesel

Rough Terrain Forklift Gas/LPG/Diesel Vertical Mast

Daily checklists for each type of industrial
truck are available from the truck manufacturer. You may choose to use
a checklist for each type of industrial truck in your workplace or
compile one that can be used for any type of truck.

Refer to the owner's manual, specifications and manufacturer's
recommendations to modify the checklist for trucks being operated in
your workplace. Below are sample checklists for internal combustion and
electric trucks. These lists can be modified to suit your workplace
needs.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Thank you for your correspondence to the Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the use
of forklifts for construction activities. I appreciate the opportunity
to respond to you and your constituents.

In your inquiry, you forward a copy of an ASK OSHA e-correspondence
submitted to OSHA on November 4, 2011, from your constituent Mr. Keith
Raffield. I appreciate your patience, as the process for achieving
resolution to very complex compliance issues can be lengthy. Among
several other major issues in the construction industry, OSHA has been
in the process of responding to many interpretative inquiries such as
this one regarding the scope and application of our final rule for
Cranes and Derricks in Construction.

In his inquiry, Mr. Raffield asks OSHA the following question:

Can I, as a forklift (not a crane operator) operator, use a
designated forklift boom that has a hook on it as long as it meets the
load requirements?

OSHA's response to Mr. Raffield's inquiry depends upon not only the
original design of the forklift that is used, but also the design of the
boom attachment and how the forklift and boom are operated together to
move the load. We recognize that our ASK OSHA webpage was not designed
to provide for the submission of attachments with inquiries from the
public, therefore the picture and description of the forklift in
question that was provided with your inquiry was very helpful for making
this determination.

Equipment that is designed to function as both a crane and a forklift would be considered multi-purpose equipment and covered by the crane
standard when configured, and operated as, a crane. However, Mr.
Raffield submitted a picture of, and information about, a typical
vertical mast forklift with a variable length boom attachment that uses
slings or a rope to hoist and move a suspended load. This type of
forklift described was designed by the manufacturer to lift palletized
loads or those that can be safely handled and supported by the forks of
the equipment. The described configuration of a forklift, unlike a
crane or derrick, can only provide powered horizontal and vertical
movement of the suspended load by both driving the forklift horizontally
in addition to moving its mast and forks. Although the described boom
attachment extends the reach of the forks, it was not designed to
provide powered horizontal and vertical movement of the load. This
forklift configured with the described boom attachment is not covered by
the cranes standard.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

This is in response to your fax of June 30, 2004, to the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We have paraphrased your
questions as follows:

Question (1): Are the training requirements in
§1910.178(l) applicable to skid-steer loaders used for earthmoving in
construction? If not, what training requirements apply?

Answer: Title 29 CFR 1926.602(d) states:

Powered industrial truck operator training. NOTE: The
requirements applicable to construction work under this paragraph are
identical to those set forth at §1910.178(l) of this chapter.

Under §1926.602(d), employees engaged in construction who use equipment
covered by 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart O and the Powered Industrial Truck
Standard (29 CFR 1910.178) must be trained in accordance with the
requirements in §1910.178(l). However, §1910.178(a) states that the
Powered Industrial Truck Standard does not apply "to vehicles intended
primarily for earth moving...." Since skid-steer loaders are "intended
primarily for earth moving," the training requirements in §1910.178(l)
do not apply.1

However, 29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2) states:

The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and
avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his [or
her] work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other
exposure to illness or injury.

Therefore, under §1926.21(b)(2), the employer is required to train the
skid steer operators so that they can recognize and avoid unsafe
conditions. As a practical matter, such training needs to be
comprehensive enough to ensure that the operator is fully capable of
safely handling the equipment in the type of conditions he/she will
encounter at the site. The amount of training necessary to fulfill the
requirement may be reduced based on the extent to which the operator has
acquired the necessary knowledge and skill from prior experience (see
the answer to Question 2, below).

Question (2): Section 1926.20(b)(4) provides
that only those who are qualified through training or "experience" are
allowed to operate equipment. In this context, what does "experienced"
mean? If a worker has operated the equipment a number of times in the
past, does that automatically mean they are "experienced" for purposes
of this requirement?

Answer: No. Title 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4) states:

The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment or machinery. [Emphasis added.]

The term "experience" in this provision is used in conjunction with the
term "qualified." Where an operator, through prior experience, has
acquired the knowledge and skill necessary to safely operate the
equipment, the operator may be considered "qualified by...experience"
for purposes of this provision. However, a history of having operated
the equipment by itself does not necessarily mean that the operator
knows how to safely and competently operate the equipment. The provision
requires the operator to be "qualified." If the worker has operated the
machinery in the past but has not acquired the knowledge and skills
necessary to safely operate the equipment, the experience is not sufficient to make the employee "qualified."

Thank you for your letter of September 13, 2007, to the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) regional office in Atlanta,
Georgia. Your letter has been forwarded to OSHA's Directorate of
Enforcement Programs (DEP). You had a question concerning OSHA's Powered industrial trucks
standard, 29 CFR 1910.178, and the use of jack stands in the
stabilization of semi-trailers. Your paraphrased question and our
response follow.

Question: Are two jack stands, placed one on each side of the
uncoupled end of a semi-trailer, sufficient to support the trailer and
prevent it from upending during loading and unloading using powered
industrial trucks? Is one jack stand placed in the middle of the
uncoupled trailer sufficient?

Response: OSHA's Powered industrial trucks standard, at 29
CFR 1910.178(k)(3), states that "[f]ixed jacks may be necessary to
support a semi-trailer and prevent upending during loading or unloading
when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor." OSHA's standard does not
specify a particular type of jack, nor the number and placement of such
jacks. As noted in the March 19, 1991, letter to Mr. Thomas Wheeler
(enclosed), the language in this paragraph is advisory rather than
mandatory. However, when using portable jacks to support semi-trailers,
OSHA strongly recommends following both the trailer and the jack
manufacturer's instructions on the appropriate number and placement of
these jacks. Additional guidance on the loading and unloading of
trailers with powered industrial trucks may be found on OSHA's website
at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/loading_unloading.html.

You also enclosed a manufacturer's brochure depicting a particular type
of portable jack. As you may know, OSHA does not approve, endorse, or
promote any particular product, or protective measure.

For your information, the State of Kentucky administers its own
occupational safety and health program under a plan approved and
monitored by Federal OSHA. Therefore, employers in the State of
Kentucky must comply with State occupational safety and health
requirements. As a condition of plan approval, States are required to
adopt and enforce occupational safety and health standards that are at
least as effective as those promulgated by Federal OSHA. For the most
part, Kentucky standards are identical to the Federal standards,
although Kentucky does have some additional standards with different
requirements. If you would like further information regarding
Kentucky's occupational safety and health requirements, you may contact
the Kentucky Department of Labor at the following address:

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Can I put forklift lift capacity on attachment?

Our company has made some lift
attachments, the forklift company will not make a new data plate since
they did not make the attachment. Can we put the weight capacity on the
attachment itself. we used the OSHA formula to come up with the Numbers.

Answer: NO!!!

Not unless you are a professional engineer. To satisfy the OSHA
requirement you need to have the attachment evaluated by a professional
engineer to determine how much it can hold. Then the forklift lifting
capabilities should be evaluated based upon the center of gravity of the
new attachment. You can then provide a data plate with the lifting
limits of the attachment. However, the attachment should NEVER be
marked with the weight limits of the forklift.

Keep in mind there are two limits here....#1 the structural capacity of
the attachment and #2 the capacity of the forklift when using this
specific attachment. To be OSHA compliant both need to be evaluated by a
professional engineer.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Trainer B at Position 5 will provide verbal instruction and direction to continue driving portion as follows:

Assure horn is honked prior to proceeding

Driver will perform either Situation A or B

Situation A – Load-on-Top

Driver will pick up top load from Position 6 and

Place on ground at Position 7

Trainer will be checking for:

Approach;

Fork placement;

Fork depth;

Raising load;

Mast tilt;

Lowering load; and

Travel speed with load.

Situation B – Load-on-Ground

Driver will pick up ground load from Position 7 and

Place on top of load at Position 6

Trainer will be checking for:

Approach;

Fork placement;

Fork depth;

Raising load;

Mast tilt;

Lowering load; and

Travel speed with load.

Upon completion of load handling the driver will drive IN REVERSE to START/FINISH and park lift as close as possible to the cone without hitting it.

Activity 8

Trainer A at Position 8—START/FINISH will:

Provide feedback regarding:

Parking (also remember 25' and no line of sight):

Forks down;

Mast tilted;

Transmission to neutral;

Set emergency brake;

Engine/Power off;

Keys out of ignition;

Dismount (3 point); AND

Be sure it does not block a fire door, fire exit, fire equipment or access to a switch box, sprinkler valve, and/or first aid or emergency equipment.

Once everyone has completed the driver portion the following should be discussed: (this can take place in the group classroom setting or at the driver training site)

Review of Data Plate:

Note that any attachments or mast change added after the purchase of the forklift must listed on the data plate. If your forklift data plate is missing, illegible or does not have the proper information, report it immediately.

Capacity rating

Load center - The forklift's load center and capacity are printed on the data plate. The overall capacity of a forklift is a function of load center and the weight being carried. The load center is the distance from the face of the mast to the center of your load. The standard industry pallet is 48" long. Therefore, most warehouse forklifts have a 24"load center. When the center of a capacity load exceeds a forklift's printed load center, the center of gravity moves within the stability triangle causing a tipping hazard.

Weight of PIT

Stability Triangle—The stability of a forklift is most commonly referred to as the "Stability Triangle." This is because a forklift is designed like a backwards tricycle. If you look under a four-wheel forklift, you will see a three-point suspension.

Center of Gravity - On the Stability Triangle drawing, the dot indicates where the center of gravity is located on a forklift that is not in operation. If the center of gravity were to moves outside of the triangle when carrying a load, then the forklift would tip over. The center of gravity shifts toward the base of the triangle when a load is added. It also shifts when traveling and stacking. If the center of gravity shifts to one side because of traveling on uneven ground or carrying an uneven load, the forklift could tip laterally. If the forklift makes too fast a turn, the center of gravity moves outside of the triangle, causing the forklift to tip over.

Shifting Load Center - For example, a 4,500-pound capacity forklift based on a 24" load center carrying a 4,500 pound, 48" long load is within the safe operation guidelines. However, if the same forklift is carrying a 5,000 pound, 60" load it has a 30" load center. This exceeds the 24" load center of the forklift. This will cause the forklift to tip forward.

Trucks, Trailers and Docks

Wheel chocking - Be sure that brakes are set and that chocks are placed against the truck, trailer or freight car wheels to prevent movements while you are loading or unloading. It is the responsibility of the forklift operator (NOT THE TRUCK DRIVER) to make sure that the trailers they drive on are chocked.

Dock Locks

Trailer floor and ramps - Before forklifts enter freight cars, trucks, and trailers, the flooring should be checked for breaks or weaknesses.

All dock boards and bridge plates have rated capacities. Be sure to verify the weight of the forklift and the load does not exceed the capacity of the dock board or bridge plate. All dock boards and bridge plates should be properly secured before they are driven over. Dock boards or bridge plates should be driven over carefully and slowly.

Trailer capacity - Check the trailer capacity.

Trailer tandems - Sliding tandems on trailers should be slid to the rear to support the tail of trailers as much as possible.

Trainer A will continue slalom through remaining cones and continue through course to Position 3 (as illustrated in BLUE) following visual and auditory commands from Trainer B.

Trainer B will confirm that Driver performs STOP-HONK-GO at DOORWAY.

Trainer B will walk with Driver to Position 3 and STOP Driver.

Trainer B will confirm at STOP that emergency brake is set. (Confirm at STOP position that emergency brake is set, forks are lowered and the vehicle is neutralized and shut down for the safety of the instructor.)

(You may want to discuss shutting down if stopped for long periods.)

Trainer B will provide feedback if needed.

Activity 4/5 – FORWARD SLALOM

Trainer B at Position 3/4 will provide verbal instruction and direction to continue driving portion as follows:

Assure horn is honked prior to proceeding.

Walk with driver to first cone assuring driver proceeds with the first cone on their right-hand side (as illustrated in RED).

B will confirm that Driver performs STOP-HONK-GO at DOORWAY

Driver will continue slalom through remaining cones and continue through course to Position 5 (as illustrated in RED) following visual and auditory commands from Trainer B).

Trainer B will walk with Driver to Position 5 and STOP Driver.

Trainer B will confirm at STOP that emergency brake is set. (Confirm at STOP position that emergency brake is set, forks are lowered and the vehicle is neutralized and shut down for the safety of the instructor.)

(You may want to discuss shutting down if stopped for long periods.)

Trainer B will provide feedback if needed.

Trainer B will provide instruction on handling a load:

Approaching load - Make sure the forklift is square to the bin or rack, and is completely stopped before you start to raise the load.

Fork placement in skid—The driver should check and know the size of each skid and their forks and insert the forks as far as possible without breaching the opposite side

Fork depth in skid—Be sure you have your forks under at least 2 thirds (2/3) of your load for stability. While the full load is best it is not always possible. The driver should ultimately be concerned with the load balance.

Raising load— Slowly raise the load to a safe driving height that is as close to the ground as possible. Never let anyone walk under a raised load. Always lower the load when stopped.

Mast tilt pick-up and drop-off.

When the load has reached the correct height to clear any obstructions or other loads tilt the mast back for stability.

When the load has reached the correct height to clear any obstructions or other loads inch forward and tilt the mast forward to place it.

Lowering load—Lower the forks enough to release the pressure on the pallet and back the forklift until the forks are clear.